Page 12 - What Is Real Repentance

conscience. They were only a type looking forward to the supreme sacrifice for sins – Jesus Christ – who was to come much later
(Hebrews 9:9-14; 10:4-10).
There is simply no way we can "make up" for our sins. Beads, indulgences, penance, fastings, or afflicting one's flesh in some other way will not erase the guilt of sin either. You cannot punish yourself for sin, and thus avoid God's punishment. Only the sacrifice of Christ can pay that ultimate penalty. And the only way that sacrifice can be applied to blot out your sins is by accepting it and forsaking your past life of disobedience – by repentance!
2. Just what does Isaiah 64:6 say about "our righteousness"? And what did Jesus say about those who "trusted in themselves that they were righteous"? Luke 18:9-14.
3. How did Paul describe mankind in general today? 2 Timothy 3:1-5. Notice especially verse 5.
COMMENT: Many people profess to be religious – they attend churches – they have a "form of godliness." But, as these verses plainly show, they partake of the very attitudes and practices that have made this present world evil. This is not the repentance God commands.
God requires a complete reversal in the direction each one of us has been going. In other words, total repentance of following the ways that seem right to human conscience, and a complete turning around to begin following the way of God as revealed in the Bible.
4. What else does God have to say concerning this present evil world we have all had a part in?
1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2.
COMMENT: Here is the very starting point on the way to salvation. God commands us to come out of this world and forsake its wrong ways. No longer being conformed to its ways which are contrary to God's way, we are to become like Christ by allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our minds.
5. What is the end result of this world's kind of sorrow, or "repentance"? 2 Corinthians 7:10, last part. But what kind of sorrow for sin does God accept, and where does it lead? Verse 9 and first part of verse 10.
COMMENT: It is commonly believed that a temporary remorseful feeling over past mistakes – without a real "turning" and "change," and beginning to grow in Godly character – is all there is to being "saved".
God says such "repentance" is totally unacceptable and leads only to death!
Repentance is something far more than an "experience." True repentance – "Godly sorrow" – involves a complete about-face in our thinking and being, as well as a change of allegiance.